In The Prince & the Coyote (Levine Querido, Sept. 26), David Bowles brilliantly retells the remarkable life of 15^th-century Aztec king, warrior-poet, and polymath Acolmiztli Nezahualcoyotl in a book that features illustrations by Amanda Mijangos. Bowles answered our questions about the novel—which made our list of the Best YA Books of 2023—by email.

What were some of the pleasures and challenges of bringing Nezahualcoyotl’s story to the page?

One of the biggest challenges was readers’ unfamiliarity with the setting, both in place and time. A similar novel taking place in, say, ancient Rome or Greece could rely on the fact that most English speakers in North America are steeped in the stories, names, and philosophies of those nations. For a variety of reasons, pre-Invasion Mesoamerica is either unknown or deeply misunderstood, frankly, even in Mexico.

Ironically, this challenge brings the biggest pleasure, which is rendering the adolescence of one of the most important Indigenous minds on the continent in a language and form that modern audiences—teens and adults alike—will find compelling and relatable. It’s a joy and a privilege to be one of the first authors to open up this young man’s life and culture.

Rhythm is a key concept in The Prince & the Coyote—one that aids Nezahualcoyotl in claiming his own power. What role does it play in your writing process?

I started learning to play instruments as a young child, gravitating more toward percussion as the years wore on. Becoming attuned to the tempo of songs led me to find rhythm in everything around me, from street sounds to human speech. When I began writing poetry as a teen, I was drawn to formal meter, and the ebb and flow of language has influenced my prose writing as well. I often plan chapters by thinking about the time signature and beats per minute I want to emulate as I evoke a particular mood. 

How did it feel to hold a finished copy in your hands?

Almost overwhelming. It’s a beautiful book, one that’s taken me a very long time to prepare for and write. Amanda’s illustrations provide the perfect accent notes within Levine Querido’s timeless design. A real collectible.

What are some of the books you’ve read and loved in 2023?

I’ve read so many great ones! Standouts include The Mimicking of Known Successesby Malka Older, Escaping Exodusby Nicky Drayden, Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares [coming in February 2024], Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebia, Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera, Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera (illus. by David Álvarez), and Books 4 and 5 of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (the basis for the Chinese fantasy TV series The Untamed).

Megan Labrise is the editor at large and host of Kirkus’ Fully Booked podcast.